Tree & Landscape Board

Approved: 032217 Minutes of the Tree and Landscape Board City Hall, City of College Park January 18, 2017 Term Exp. Members Present Absent N/A Brenda Alexander, Public Works Deputy Director N/A Steven Beavers, Planning Dept. Representative 11/30/2018 John Krouse, Member 4/30/17 John Lea-Cox, City Forester 8/30/2017 Christine O’Brien, member N/A Janis Oppelt/CBE Representative 9/30/2016 Joseph Smith, Chair ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N/A Carleveva Thompson, Contract Secretary Guest Matt Dernoga Mr. Smith called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. 1. Approval of Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the November 30, 2016 meeting were reviewed and minor edits were made. Motion: Adopt November meeting minutes with changes. Moved: Mr. Krouse Second: Ms. Oppelt Aye: Unanimous Nay: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Planning Report: Mr. Beavers shared the following highlights:  The Narragansett Parkway storm water project is finished, except for planting. The storm water project on Rhode Island Ave is underway and should be completed in 3 weeks.  There is discussion of closing the section of Rhode Island Ave between Greenbelt Road and Tecumseh off permanently.  The city received an award for a solar panel project at the Youth and Family building and is currently waiting on a permit to start.  The sound wall panels have been removed along Campus Drive and the Trolley Trail goes straight through.  Mr. Beavers attended a Purple Line public information session. The purple line needs to have one stream bank restoration as part of the project. The restoration will take place near the airport between the disc golf course and the railroad tracks and will make impacts to Lake Artemesia.  The water line is being installed at the Old Town and Community Garden. 3. Public Works Department Report: Ms. Alexander shared the following highlights:  Applications were submitted for Tree City USA recertification as well as PLANT community recertification. 1   Davey Tree Experts are finishing up contracted tree work for pruning, removal, and stump grinding in the city.  The landscape crews are continuing maintenance on Guilford Run to remove vines from trees and cut down vegetation in the channel.  New trash and recycling combo units are being installed in recreation areas around the city.  The Duvall concession building is moving along. The roof is installed and inside work such as painting and utility connection will begin.  Pepco line clearance work is ending. 4. Hollywood Neighborhood Park Mr. Krouse shared details of the Greenbelt Metro parking garage construction and how this will impact storm water management in College Park. Based on the new plans, it does not appear that a storm water pond in Hollywood Park is off the table. Mr. Krouse will attend two meetings in Greenbelt to obtain more information. Mr. Krouse suggested the TLB make a recommendation to the City Council next month. Action: Mr. Krouse to prepare a draft letter for the next TLB meeting. 5. Pepco Tree Removals Pepco has recently conducted tree removals in the City. A discussion took place of having a citywide tree canopy assessment. Ms. Alexander observed that city residents tend to remove large trees particularly after heavy storms. Ms. Alexander shared her obstacles with planting trees in certain places around the city and has had residents request removal of the newly planted trees. 6. Tree Canopy Enhancement Program Ms. Alexander shared the Tree Canopy Enhancement program is to encourage tree planting on private property. There was discussion of having a contractor plant the trees. The city of Bowie has a similar program for their residents to obtain reimbursement for trees planted on their property. Since this is a pilot project, it would be good to offer residents money to have a tree planted on their property. Bowie’s program offers $50 reimbursement for planting of tree height less than or equal to 30 ft. and for greater than max height of 30 ft., reimbursement is $100. Bowie residents provide a picture of the planted tree to complete their application and receive reimbursement. Ms. Alexander will revise the City’s Tree Canopy program application. 7. Tree Canopy Brochure Mr. Smith shared a draft PowerPoint of the Tree Canopy Brochure. 8. New Business The TLB needs to start planning for Arbor Day celebration. Target date is April 28, 2017. 2 9. Wrap Up, Confirmation of Next Meeting: The next meeting of the TLB will take place on February 15, 2017. Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Krouse and second by Dr. Lea-Cox. Meeting adjourned at 8:52pm. 3